References:

G. F. Wilson in Gardeners' Chronicles ser. 3, 9: 117 (1891), gives the following original description; "Will you allow me to call attention to some of the newer Irises, as being valuable conservatory plants at this season. Iris Bakeriana is a perfect gem, the standards pale blue, the falls intense dark blue, with white center, spotted with rich blue; Iris reticulata var. Histrioides, the standards bluish lavender, the falls blue, with yellow and white markings; in different plants the lavender shade is more or less pronounced. I have planted bulbs out-of-doors, but rather fear their standing the frosts of this exceptional winter. I believe that we owe to my fried, Max Leichtlin, the bringing into commerce of both these Irises

Foster in Bulbous Irises 9., 59. figs. 7., 37. 1892 gives the following; "The flower appears before the leaves, which are eventually stouter and longer than in any other form of reticulata,. Flower larger, four or even five inches across, with a tube variable in length, but always longer than the spathe-valves, which are short, broad, blunt, and colorless, or nearly so, being marked by a few green veins. Claw of fall not strap-shaped, but triangular, gradually expanding, a slight constriction, however, marking the transition, into a broad ovate blade as long as or even longer than itself. illustrated;

The Garden 42: 364. 22 Oct. 1892,

Krel. 1891; 1913; Van T. 1901; Van W. 1906; 1913; Wal. 1913;

A.M., R.H.S. 1892, shown by Barr, Laing; F.C.C., R.H.S.;

Dykes in The Genus Iris, 1913;Description and Observations.I. histrioides is obviously closely allied to I. histrio, and is nearer to that species in its method of increase ( see p. 220) than to I. reticulata. It differs from /. histrio by the fact that the bud appears almost, if not quite, as soon as the leaves pierce the soil, by the less turbinate flowers, of which the falls extend their haft horizontally, and also by the colouration. The main effect is blue of varying shades, but usually not so deep as some specimens of I. histrio. The solid colour at the edge of the blade forms, however, a much wider band in I. histrioides, so that only a relatively small triangular patch about the end of the narrow orange yellow crest is white, dotted with large or small blue spots. The standards are erect, of the same shade of blue as the falls. The foliage is very stout and larger in diameter than that of any other member of the Reticulata Section.See the introductory notes on the reticulata section see reference at (Subgenus Hermodactyloides )

Your Observations Are Valued. Please make note of bud count, branching, purple based foliage and bloom time, etc. Because these are affected by climate, note date, year and geographic location and write these and other comments in the comment box below.